Prank ad, liability, charges

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Question

Country: United States of AmericaState: Washington

Hello. I played a prank on my neighbor and placed an ad online on a freeclassified website saying he had free stuff in his yard and to come and get it. He is now claiming two people showed up and took $150 worth of items from his yard. I was contacted by police and told I may be charged with trafficking stolen property in the amount of $150. He is apparently under suspicion of having stolen property in his possession. The police have confiscated my hard drive from my computer to try to find evidence of the online ad even though I already admitted to it. What is the worst they can do to me and what do you think they will do?

Answer

It will likely be dismissed if they believe it was a joke that went bad...you may have to pay for any items taken...

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